How to Stop Stressing About Holiday Food (and Still Feel Good in Your Body)

Balanced Body Clients Share the 3 Proven Strategies That Keep Them on Track Without Guilt or Overthinking

You know the feeling. The holidays roll around, and suddenly you’re surrounded by tempting food, packed schedules (trying to make everyone else’s holiday magical), and a nagging worry: How am I gonna handle this??

Even if you’re already committed to your fitness, this time of year can bring up anxiety, guilt, and a lot of second-guessing. Should I skip breakfast to ‘save calories’? Do I need to squeeze in an extra workout? Is this plate of food going to undo all my hard work? It’s mentally exhausting…but you don’t have to live in that cycle of stress, overthinking, and all-or-nothing thinking.

Many of the women in Balanced Body—high-achieving, busy women just like you—used to feel exactly the same way. They’d white-knuckle their way through December, only to start January feeling like they were back at square one.

But now? They’ve done the work—physically and mentally—to build tools that make navigating the holidays feel easier. Not because they’re “perfect,” but because they’ve learned how to trust themselves and their decisions.

Self-trust isn’t magic; it’s a skill you can learn—and it’s exactly what we build in Balanced Body. Here’s how our clients did it—and how you can, too.

1. Take Holiday Food Off The Pedestal

It’s easy to treat holiday meals like they’re the most important of the year—so you eat like you’ll never see mashed potatoes, stuffing, or trifle again. But as Balanced Body member Serrie shared, when you realize those foods are always an option, they stop holding so much power.

When you stop romanticizing holiday food, you can actually enjoy it in moderation without feeling out of control. You get to choose what feels good without overeating out of scarcity.

Try this: The next time you’re facing a spread of tempting dishes, tell yourself: “This food isn’t going anywhere. I can enjoy it now OR anytime I want.” You’ll be surprised how quickly the pressure fades.

2. Lean on Your “Daily Non-Negotiables”

Staying grounded through the holidays doesn’t mean sticking to a rigid plan—it means having small, doable habits that make you feel like yourself, even when things get busy. Balanced Body clients Kelsey and Laura swear by their “daily definites”—these aren’t big, sweaty workouts or perfectly prepped meals. They’re easy, no-drama wins like:

• 30 grams of protein at breakfast: Keeps you full longer, balances blood sugar, and reduces afternoon cravings—so you’re less likely to overdo it later.

• Drinking enough water (aim for 100 ounces): Supports energy, curbs unnecessary cravings, and aids digestion—especially helpful during heavier meals.

• Getting in movement, even a short walk: Clears your head, aids digestion, and lowers stress (it’s also the perfect excuse to step outside if the family starts talking diets or politics…)

• Prioritizing 7 hours of quality sleep: Restores energy, balances hunger hormones, and keeps cravings in check so you can show up at your best.

These habits might seem simple (which is why so many people dismiss them), but they’re powerful. They don’t rely on willpower, and they keep you connected to your goals when everything else feels out of sync. 

Try this: Pick just 2-3 small habits that make you feel your best—especially when life gets crazy. These “non-negotiables” aren’t just about maintaining your energy and confidence; they’re your secret weapon for staying steady when everyone else is going haywire. Think of them as your personal insurance policy for maintaining your weight during busy seasons or times when you’re not actively working on fat loss. While the rest of society is worrying about gaining, you’ll already have the tools in place to stay consistent and confident—no matter what life throws at you.

3. Zoom Out and Trust Yourself

Here’s the mindset shift Balanced Body client Elizabeth leans on: One meal doesn’t make or break your progress. Just like eating one salad doesn’t instantly make you healthier, a holiday meal (or two) won’t undo everything you’ve worked for.

Step back and see the bigger picture. The key is focusing on what you do most of the time, not just during the holidays. The decisions you make between January and December matter way more than the ones between December and January. 

You don’t need to overthink or spiral.. Trust the habits you’ve worked hard to build and give yourself permission to enjoy the moment with intention.

Try this: Before a holiday gathering, remind yourself: “I know what to do, and I trust myself to make choices I’ll feel good about.” It’s a small mindset shift that creates calm and confidence.

You Don’t Have to Just “Handle” the Holidays

If you’re reading this, you’re not someone who doesn’t care. You care deeply about your health, your fitness, and how you feel in your body. But you’re tired of feeling stressed, guilty, or out of control every holiday season.

The holidays don’t have to bog you down with shame and worry every year. You can enjoy the food, maintain your progress, and actually enjoy it all, feeling strong and steady.

Balanced Body clients don’t “survive” the holidays—they thrive through them. Because they’ve built the skills, habits, and confidence to navigate the season (and any other “seasons” life brings them).

If you’re done with the stress, guilt, and January do-overs—and ready to feel calm, confident, and in control all year long—Balanced Body is the place for you. Apply here to work together and start building the habits, mindset, and body you deserve.